June 4 A-E Source: Geoff Drake keeps blues alive at Empress Marquee Club

Since 1973, Geoff Drake has known he wanted to be a part of the music world.

As a 17-year-old, Drake first got involved in the music world by working security at Eli's Mile High Club in Oakland.

"I used to hang out at that small blues club, and I wasn't old enough to go in," remembers Drake. "One day, there was an incident out front where a lady got her purse stolen. I got it back for her."

Though Drake was still not allowed to go inside, the owner offered him a security position at the door.

Drake worked as a bouncer and security guard across different venues throughout the '70s, '80s, and '90s. He's also worked at festivals including the San Francisco Blues Festival, Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival, and Vallejo Blues Festival.

Throughout decades of viewing live performances, his most memorable ones were B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Etta James.

"Etta James would be sitting backstage in her powered wheelchair with a blanket on her lap. She looked tired and a bit worn out. But when it was time for her to come on stage?" Drake snapped his fingers and laughed. "She was powerful."

After decades of working for security, Drake became a volunteer at the Empress Marquee Club in 2012.

Drake is in charge of booking blues performances for its weekly Wednesday night.

"Music is my medicine. I keep myself sane doing this," said Drake. "I'm still really lucky to have been able to do what I've done."

Drake said between his efforts at the Empress Marquee Club and concert promoter Jeff Trager's work at The 4th Corner Speakeasy at Red Man's Hall, their goal is to revitalize Vallejo's downtown music scene.

"There used to be lots of music in Vallejo. I think we've brought some life back," said Drake.

Not only is Drake selective about the artists he books, but he has also already curated the lineup months ahead of time until mid-October, with artists as near as Southern California and as far as Seattle and Florida.

The Marquee Club, located right next to the Empress Theatre, offers guests a dinner-and-music lounge experience.

The menu includes a variety of options, including sandwiches, pizzas, and small platters with salami and cheese, vegetables and hummus, and caprese skewers. Desserts include chocolate cake, bourbon banana bread pudding, tiramisu, and more.

All shows are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.

Despite concerns some people may have about visiting downtown Vallejo at night, Drake said those fears "have not come true."

"We have security that walks people to their car, if they want to be walked. We've had no issues. Nobody's car has been stolen, nobody has been beaten up in front," said Drake.

Drake also credited Front-of-House Manager Jason Hamilton, General Manager Jay Johnson, and Empress Theatre director Susan MacDonald with helping keep the theater an important part of the community.

After 14 years of volunteering, Drake has no plans of stopping.

"It's a hobby," Drake said, nodding to himself as he looked around at the portraits of blues singers who have been featured at the club throughout the years. "And it's the best hobby I've ever had."

Upcoming shows at the Empress Marquee Club:

-June 4: Thursday night show with Johnny Vernazza

-June 10: Smokehouse

-June 12: Special Friday night show with Mark Hummel, Steve Freund, Paul Reveli and Karl Severied.

-June 17: Rowland and Tumblin

-June 24: California Psychics

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